Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Feminist Friday is taking a break this week, but will be back next Tuesday! If you have a suggestion for next week's theme please leave it in the comments section! You can read all previous themes and posts on the Feminist Friday tab above, too!

I've also got a Feminist Mom Bloggers Twitter List. If you'd like to be added to it let me know and anyone is free to follow it :)

Sunday, 29 May 2011

When I was pregnant with Blondie Boy my Dad sent me over some XXL t-shirts because I had nothing that I could sleep in. I loved sleeping in those big t-shirts but it would have been nice to have some cute, pretty pajamas that fit over my bump, too. The review below is from my friend and fellow expat Meg from the Rare Bit who's expecting her second baby this June.

Want to hear a pitiful story? Of course you do! When I was preparing for the birth of my son, everybody told me not to bother packing any nice pajamas to wear in the hospital. “Everything will just get gross, so just bring something you don’t mind getting ruined” seemed to be the overwhelming advice. So I resisted the urge to buy something pretty and special, and just threw some old things in my hospital bag. But after my little boy was born, and we were happily ensconced in the maternity ward, I wanted something a bit nicer to put on. It seemed that all the other mummies were wearing cute PJs, and there I was in my ratty old yoga pants and t-shirt. Don’t get me wrong, I was ecstatic to have a healthy baby and with my new role as a mother, but as trite as it sounds, it would have been nice to have something special to put on that matched how special I felt.

So now that I’m expecting another baby, a fun new set of PJs was definitely on the list of things to pack in my hospital bag, which is why when Hot Milk approached me about reviewing some of their night wear, it felt like kismet. My knowledge of Hot Milk mostly centred around their fab nursing bras, which I had seen both in store and online through different retailers. I always noticed how their nursing bras never seemed to compromise between style and function, and I was hoping the night wear would live up to the same standard.

Hot Milk sent me a set of “Lost in the Moment” pajamas to test out. I thought I’d be brave and post a picture of myself in these gorgeous PJs, but I’m afraid I’ve chickened out. This has nothing to do with the fit of the PJs, even though I’m nearly 9 months pregnant, the size medium they sent fit me just fine. It’s just that Hot Milk promises to “reveal the sexy woman inside the loving mother”, and they don’t let down on that promise! The camisole top has a flattering cut that definitely plays up the voluptuousness of a pregnant woman’s body, and the boobiliciousness was just not something I’m ready to put up on the interwebs. But, hey- just look at the pretty model wearing the same thing!

I really loved the PJ pants that came with this set. Seriously, the cotton is so fine and soft that it feels silky to the touch, and they’re super comfy to sleep in. At first, the drawstrings that adjust the length of the legs annoyed me, as they kept coming untied, but I soon figured out that a double knot will keep them nice and secure- even when you’re tossing and turning your way through a night in the third trimester. The camisole also doubles as a pretty nursing top, each side unhooks at the strap for easy and discreet breastfeeding. I haven’t used this function yet, but I’m sure I’ll appreciate it in a few weeks time!

These PJs are definitely destined for my hospital bag! I can’t wait to wear them after meeting my new baby for the first time. But I also have my eye on some more night wear from Hot Milk- I especially love “Calm Rebellion”, pretty, no?

****PROMOTION & GIVEAWAY****

Right now, Hot Milk is having a great promotion that’s good through the Bank Holiday Weekend! You can buy one bra and get the 2nd for half price, which is awesome. All of you breastfeeding mothers out there should take this opportunity to stock up!

Also, Hot Milk has generously offered to give away a set of “Lost in the Moment” PJs to one lucky Transatlantic Blonde reader!

To enter, simply follow both of these steps (both of these steps are mandatory):

- Follow both Transatlantic Blonde and The Rarebit and head on over to http://www.hotmilklingerie.com and take a look at all of their pretty things and leave a comment saying what product you love!

All entries will be verified and deleted if not valid so make sure to leave the usernames you subscribe or tweet with.

One winner will be chosen by random.org on Monday June 6th 12:00 GMT. Winners must contact me within 48 hours or another winner will be drawn. This giveaway is open to everyone anywhere! Good luck! CLOSED!

The Rare Bit was provided pyjamas to review but the opinions expressed are her own.

Friday, 27 May 2011

If you read my Pretty in Pink post then the opinions expressed in this post will come as no surprise to you. My inspiration for the theme this week came after my best friend sent me an article about a Canadian couple who are keeping their youngest child's sex a secret so they can be "unconstrained by social norms about males and female." I'll be honest, I didn't make it through the whole article, but my take on it can be summed up quite easily:

There is a big difference between raising a genderless child and raising a child free of gender stereotypes. I would hope and aim to raise Blondie Boy free of gender stereotypes.

He's too young to make decisions based on stereotypes now himself and I won't force or allow others to force stereotypes on him. If he wants to play with what society tells us are "boy's toys", so be it, and if he wants to play with what society tells us are "girl's toys", then that's fine too. We don't think about gender when we buy him toys and, to be honest, I'm pretty sure he has more pink tops than he does blue.

If when he's old enough to ask for gifts and ask for a Disney princess dress-up outfit he is more than welcome to it, but in the same way I'm not going to buy him a tutu just in case. Children should be free to be who they are and play what they want to play with without society telling them they are right or wrong.

We've visited a friend's house and Blondie Boy decided he wanted to push around a pink baby doll pram; my friend chuckled "what would NotBlondeHusband say if he saw that." He wouldn't care. She replied her husband wouldn't be happy if it was her son. Now if her husband's disapproval was real or just for show I don't know. What is so offensive about a boy pushing a pink baby pram? Would it be as offensive if it was a little girl playing football?

Anyone who knows me will know that I love make-up, the color pink, ribbons, glitter and baking; but I'm adult and those are things I've chosen to like. Do they fall into gender stereotypes of women? Yes. NotBlondeHusband will also point out that I don't ever cook and I rate burps on a 5 point scale: things that you'd probably pin as male gender stereotypes.

Blondie Boy loves to sing and dance, cuddle stuffed animals, play with cars, build towers, read books, climb, run, colour and a whole other host of things. I don't see any of these as being things he should or shouldn't do because he's a boy--these are just things he likes to do and I will always support and encourage his interests.

I'm not suggesting you need to encourage your children to rebel against gender stereotypes, but what I am saying is if my child chooses to rebel against what society says is normal I will support him. Our DNA doesn't tell us what is suitable for boys and for girls, it is society that creates cultural norms and correct me if I'm wrong but culture isn't always right.

So I'm proud my little boy shakes his booty to Lady Gaga and equally as proud of the massive Duplo towers he builds. He's my little boy and I'm happy as long as he is being himself.

Gender Roles

Here's how it works. Write a blog post about being a feminist mom, raising a feminist child, a rant or anything that falls under the realm of being a feminist mom based or the theme for the week. Come back and link your post and post the button on your blog.

That's it.

You don't even have to be a blogger to take part - just send me your post and I will publish it on my blog for you. You don't even have to include your name if you prefer.

When you've published it, come back on Friday and via a widget thing you can add a link to your post and share it with everyone. The link remains open for 4 days.

Visit others, comment if you like them or feel inspired by them. Just go out and encourage and support other feminist Moms.

The more support you give, the more you will get back! I can't wait to meet and interact with other feminist moms around the world!

Thursday, 26 May 2011

A while back I asked if y'all would nominate me for the MAD Blog Awards if you liked reading my blog and what the freaking frak somehow I'm actually a finalist in not one, but two categories: Blogger of the Year and Best Pre School Blog!

Thank you so much! I honestly can't believe I'm a finalist; I'm still not sure why y'all read my blog sometimes if I'm completely honest! I would be honoured and ever so grateful if decided to vote for me now I'm a finalist! Just click the image below or here and choose "Transatlantic Blonde" from the drop-down list.

I'm rubbish at asking for things but the lovely Vic gives you her reasons why you should vote for me (and other finalists) on her blog Glowstars. You can also read up on the other finalists on the MADs Blog.

Thank you so much I really do appreciate everyone's support and help. It's nice to know that people like you! Virtual cupcakes for everyone :)

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

My best friend forwarded me this article today about a couple in Canada who are keeping the sex of their third child a secret and it inspired me for this week's theme. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the terms "sex" and "gender" are used interchangeably--they aren't the same thing. Sex (whether you are male or female) is biologically determined and gender (masculine or feminine) is culturally constructed. It's not DNA that means little boys play with trucks and little girls with dolls, it's culture.

So this week I want to know your stories, opinions, point-of-view on gender roles. Are you or would you raise a genderless child? Do you challenge or conform to gender stereotypes? Write about whatever you want as long as it falls under the theme of gender roles.

The Friday Feminist Mom Round up

Here's how it works. Write a blog about being a feminist mom, raising a feminist child, a rant or anything that falls under the realm of being a feminist mom. Come back and link your post and post the button on your blog.

That's it.

You don't even have to be a blogger to take part - just send me your post and I will publish it on my blog for you. You don't even have to include your name if you prefer.

When you've published it, come back on Friday and via a widget thing you can add a link to your post and share it with everyone. The link remains open for 4 days.

Visit others, comment if you like them or feel inspired by them. Just go out and encourage and support other feminist Moms.

The more support you give, the more you will get back! I can't wait to meet and interact with other feminist moms around the world!

Monday, 23 May 2011

When it came time to get Blondie Boy first real shoes we knew there was really only one place to go and that was Clarks for their First Shoes Experience. The first time we popped in to Clarks at Glasgow Fort the staff member told us that Blondie Boy wasn't walking well enough for shoes yet and they could hold back his walking. I was pleasantly surprised that she advised us to come back when he could walk from one end of the store to the other on his own; she could have easily tried to sell us shoes, but instead advised us what was best for his feet!

We came back when Blondie Boy was sturdier on his feet and had an amazing experience. I know that sounds weird because it's just shoes, but the customer service is some of the best I've had in the UK. Emma, who helped us, was so kind, patient and helpful and made sure Blondie Boy got the most appropriate shoes for him.

First Blondie Boy got his foot measured, Clarks measures both the length and width, to get the shoe that would fit him best. There were loads of styles to choose from including trainers, dressier shoes and the ever-so-popular flashing lights style.

Blondie Boy tried on the shoes and had a run around the store and we decided to go with Beetle Fun, a style we thought was versatile enough for him to wear everyday and with nicer outfits as well. Plus there were bugs and spiders on the bottom and he loves the Itsy Bitsy Spider.

I love that the shoes are a clean, classic style. So many children's shoes are cluttered with bright colours and characters and that is just not my or Blondie Boy's style. I love that his shoes look similar to something his Dad would wear, but still are fun and functional.

Not only did he get a new pair of shoes, but Clarks knows your child's first pair of shoes is an important milestone and you when you've made your choice, you'll be given a keepsake photo of your child in their First Shoes, a photoframe, a fit check reminder card and an exclusive wall height chart for you to keep track of how quickly your little one is growing! You also get a chance to win big! If you fill in a First Shoes Experience prize draw form in store, you will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win £300 (€330) worth of shoes for the whole family! Each month there is 1 winner of the £300 prize and 10 runners up who each win a free pair of shoes. Entrants will have the opportunity to win every month for 2 years!

I think he likes them, what do you think? They've already survived a dunk in the toilet (it was a clean toilet luckily) so we know they are sturdy, water-tight and Blondie Boy proof! It's really cute how he carries them around and asks to put them on even if he's wearing nothing else! After the exceptional service and amazing quality of shoes we will certainly be going back when Blondie Boy grows out of this pair. You can find your local Clarks store here or order online! You can also find great Clarks deals and offers on Facebook!

Transatlantic Blonde was provided a pair of shoes for this review but the opinions expressed are her own.

Friday, 20 May 2011

I'd like to think I've always been a feminist. I certainly grew up believing I could do anything my male counterparts could do and I was never told otherwise. My first real introduction to feminism was through an amazing anthropology course I took to fulfil some random credits I needed my Freshman year at university. It was taught by the amazing Diane Bell and if I'd never taken that class who knows if I would have ended up a Women's Studies major. She was the first of several very influential Women's Studies professors I was lucky enough to have teach and support me.

The first time I can remember actually claiming my feminist identity, the first time I can remember thinking "No that's not right and I have to do something" was during the summer of 1999. I was 19 and one of my friends had a serious boyfriend and the condom broke. She was upset and went to her family doctor for the morning-after pill. She was 18 and was in a long-term relationship, but she was about to start college and while they had taken precautions obviously sometimes condoms break.

My friend went to the doctor she'd seen most of her life, someone she trusted and what did they tell her "Sorry we are a family practice. We do what's in the best interest of families." They flat out refused to prescribe it to her. Needless to say she was upset, but I was enraged. How could a medical professional decide that my friend had to face a possibly unwanted pregnancy. It was her body, not the doctors.

So I did what any good friend would do and called Planned Parenthood and got her an appointment with a doctor who really did care about her best interest. She got the morning after pill (which is just a high dose of the pill if you must know) and she didn't become pregnant. My friend is now herself a doctor and is married with a beautiful new son.

That's my "aha" moment; it's not a great story or an empowering story but it's how I remember it. I'd like to think I've always been a feminist, but the first time I can really remember claiming my feminist identity was that day. When did you claim yours?

Claiming Your Feminist Identity

Here's how it works. Write a blog post about being a feminist mom, raising a feminist child, a rant or anything that falls under the realm of being a feminist mom based or the theme for the week. Come back and link your post and post the button on your blog.

That's it.

You don't even have to be a blogger to take part - just send me your post and I will publish it on my blog for you. You don't even have to include your name if you prefer.

When you've published it, come back on Friday and via a widget thing you can add a link to your post and share it with everyone. The link remains open for 4 days.

Visit others, comment if you like them or feel inspired by them. Just go out and encourage and support other feminist Moms.

The more support you give, the more you will get back! I can't wait to meet and interact with other feminist moms around the world!

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

It seems I've been surprised and even upset about a lot of things happening around me lately. A patriarchal press release, a sexist Prime Minister and now an MP has said "If young girls were taught abstinence, there would be less sex abuse."

I could get angry about it, but instead I'm going to do something about it.

I'm a proud feminist and I don't think that's something to be ashamed of and in fact I think it's something we should see MORE of today. So I'm bringing back Feminist Fridays. This week it's easy: when do you first remember claiming your feminist identity? What moment triggered you to say "I'm a feminist."

If you have a suggestion for a future theme please get in touch!

The Friday Feminist Mom Round up

Here's how it works. Write a blog about being a feminist mom, raising a feminist child, a rant or anything that falls under the realm of being a feminist mom. Come back and link your post and post the button on your blog.

That's it.

You don't even have to be a blogger to take part - just send me your post and I will publish it on my blog for you. You don't even have to include your name if you prefer.

When you've published it, come back on Friday and via a widget thing you can add a link to your post and share it with everyone. The link remains open for 5 days.

Visit others, comment if you like them or feel inspired by them. Just go out and encourage and support other feminist Moms.

The more support you give, the more you will get back! I can't wait to meet and interact with other feminist moms around the world!

Sunday, 15 May 2011

I think it's fair to say I'm slightly addicted to the internet. In my defense it is the way I'm able to keep in touch with my friends and family, but honestly I don't know what I'd do without it. When we first moved into our new house a certain phone company took months to set up our phone line (even though we pleaded I was super pregnant and we needed a phone) and we had to use an internet dongle. The dongle was crap. I bought credit on Skype so I could phone my Grandmother in Ohio and I couldn't get enough signal on the dongle to get a voice call to go through; massive fail.

When Three contacted me asking if I wanted to try theirMiFi, I have to say I was a bit skeptical about how it would work because of my previous mobile internet issues. MiFi is a gadget that fits in the palm of your hand and allows you to use broadband on the go by creating a bubble of Wi-Fi around you. Up to five devices can be synced up to each MiFi at any one time. It basically turns your pocket, purse or diaper bag into your very own personal internet hotspot.

It's incredibly easy to use; no wires or installation. You turn it on and you're ready to go; all you have to do is enter a passcode (which is printed inside the back of the MiFi) and you are connected! It connects with any Wifi enabled device. I brought it with me to a Tweetup and all of us smartphone users were able to connect and tweet through our yummy sushi lunch. Even better I was at a conference and when the Wifi at the venue failed, I was still connected! Several other attendees hooked into my MiFi, too and were impressed at how easy and quick it was.

If you have an iPod or other non 3G device a MiFi would be invaluable to you. For me I have a 3G iPhone with unlimited internet access so the internet I access through my phone is the same as that using the MiFi, but if I had a non 3G device (laptop, iPad, iPod touch, Nintendo DS) I would absolutely get the MiFi. I've spend many night in hotel rooms (before I had my iPhone) and haven't been able to get on the internet and the Mifi would completely solve that problem.

The Three Mifi is available on contract from as little as £9.91 per month or on Pay and Go from £71.99. If you like to be connected wherever you go I would highly recommend getting your own bubble and getting a Mifi!

Transatlantic Blonde was provided this product to review for a two week trial period, but the reviews expressed are her own.

Thursday, 5 May 2011

If you are a regular reader of my blog you'll know I'm kinda obsessed with my makeup, especially mascara. I love long, lush dark lashes and have tried dyeing and I love the way my eyes look when the lovely Nancy from Brideface applies individual false lashes, but while they look fab they are a one night only deal. So you can imagine my excitement when I got the chance to try JINNYlash semi-perminent eyelash extensions; seriously I could have peed my pants I was so excited (don't worry I didn't).

JINNYlash is the original, revolutionary technique in semi-permanent eyelash extensions and is suitable for anyone who wants to achieve longer, fuller eyelashes. JINNYlash extensions are renowned for their natural-looking finish and last between five and eight weeks. The treatment involves attaching up to 100 lashes onto each eye and because each synthetic lash is attached onto each natural eyelash, the end result is fuller, longer, natural-looking lashes.

Normally if I'm headed out of the house whether it's to Bounce and Rhyme or a nice night out I need to curl my lashes, put on mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow. I love a defined eye and my eyelashes in their natural state are translucent. If I don't have on mascara you can't see them. So you can imagine how exciting the idea of full, dark lashes all day, everyday would be to me.

The treatment lasts around ninety minutes and if you wear contacts be sure you have them out as you'll be laying down with your eyes shut the entire time. I had my treatment at my absolute favourite salon in Glasgow: The Beauty Store.

The Beauty Store is an amazing hidden gem off of Royal Exchange Square and you'll feel like you're in the lap on luxury the moment you walk in the door. The salon is impeccably stylish with black and white wallpaper and sparkling chandeliers; I know they say not to judge a book by it's cover, but you can judge a salon by it's style and you trust me here you are in for a real treat.

I know it sounds strange but it was remarkably relaxing to have hundreds of lashes applied to my eyes and the end result, well judge for yourself but in three words: AH-MAZ-ING. The look incredibly natural, but glamorous at the same time. My eyes look larger and more defined and I haven't felt the need to put on makeup just to leave the house.

I've had the lashes in for a week now and while some have fallen out (there is no way of knowing what stage your natural lashes are in so some will shed) they still look full, dark and lush. I was planning on flutter my lashes while I shook it at my friend's 30th birthday, but I got sick and couldn't go. I'm still in shock the lashes have stayed put since I got sick basically the evening I got them.

The Beauty Store charges £95 for a full application of JINNYlash lashes and included in the price is a touch up appointment (to replenish those that have fallen out naturally) 2 weeks later! Appointments can be made by phoning 0141 204 224 or you can book online. Let them know I sent you! JINNYlash is also available at the Jinny Salon in London and other fine salons in the UK.

Transatlantic Blonde was provided this treatment to review but the opinions expressed are her own.

Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Today we went Yorkhill Children's Hospital for Blondie Boy's appointment with the allergist. A few months ago we asked our GP for a referral and after his referral we got a letter from Yorkhill saying they approved his referral and he'd be allocated an appointment later. It took just under three months from our GP's referral to his appointment today.

If you are in Glasgow, be warned, parking is an absolute nightmare around Yorkhill. We left ourselves plenty of time and luckily NotBlondeHusband only had to loop around once after dropping us off to get parked. We went to our appointment and the first thing they did before we even started waiting was check Blondie Boy's height and weight. The scales were just a big chair which I personally thought was pretty cool.

We got there about 20 minutes early so I was surprised that they actually saw us early. We spoke to the Doctor and explained how BB has eczema and the reactions he has had to eggs. We also told her about his penicillin allergy and she asked us other questions about how he is in general. Then we got sent upstairs to test for peanut and egg allergies.

Again we didn't wait long and a nurse came and brought us through to another room. She drew four x's on BB's arm. Two were controls: one of saline for the no response control and the other was a histamine which would be the response control. The other two were for egg and peanuts. She dropped a droplet of each liquid next to the appropriate X and then made a "dent" into the droplet with a metal spade. She didn't break or scratch the skin, just pushed it in a bit. Blondie Boy was totally fine with all of this and then got sent out to play for 15 minutes.

The waiting room was amazing: there was a full size play house, kitchen, rocking toys, fire trucks, books, play food, musical toys--basically any toy any child could possibly want--and most impressive they all had working batteries! I overheard an older boy getting to choose a Nintendo DS game to play while he waited, too. Blondie Boy was in heaven and played away happily while we waited.

After the fifteen minutes were up we went back into another room and it was clear to see he had two red welts on his arm where the histamine control and the egg droplets had been. The nurse drew around the two welts in pen and then stuck a bit of clear tape on them to take a tracing and taped the tracing to a report. Blondie Boy got his arm wiped off and we headed back downstairs again.

I should say as there are a lot of different outpatient clinics running at the same time we did see some visibly sick children. Blondie Boy wasn't bothered but as a Mom I did notice it and if you have older children they might ask questions. Questions are great, but just thought I'd put that in there. I should also say every staff member we came in contact with was so friendly and smiley which was lovely.

We had another wait and then went back to see the Doctor who confirmed Blondie Boy is allergic to eggs. He's not allowed any eggs, including eggs baked or cooked in other foods, and had a prescription antihistamine in case he has any allergic reactions. We'll have to go back when he is four to re-evaluate and it is totally possible that it is an allergy he will outgrow. Since he had no reaction to peanuts we got the okay to try peanut butter so I think a trip to Costco for American peanut butter is in order.

We didn't get much in the way of information other than a pamphlet on what to do in case he has an allergic reaction. I'm not sure what other information I was looking for, but I guess I maybe expected something a bit specific about his allergy.

I had no idea what to expect when we went in today so I thought maybe there might be another Mom out there who would benefit from knowing what happens. So expect to see some egg-free baking recipes and if you have any I'd love to hear them! I make some mean applesauce pancakes so I'm sure I can adapt other recipes to be Blondie Boy friendly, too.

Sunday, 1 May 2011

Potty training has begun! Thank you everyone for your advice and tips. We aren't doing anything hardcore and certainly don't expect Blondie Boy to be potty trained anytime soon, but we are having some great success!

We've had several poops and lots of pees on the potty! First can I say I never though I'd be blogging about poops and pees, but I know I'm not the only one who sings about pee-pees on the potty either. I know a lot of people struggle with potty training so maybe what we've been doing will be of help.

We have two pottys: The BABYBJÖRN Potty Chair which we keep downstairs and the Pourty which is upstairs in his bathroom. The Pourty has won multiple awards and you pour the contents through the duct out of the back of the Pourty. Because at this stage Blondie Boy is doing a lot of sitting on the potty the BABYBJÖRN, with it's larger, more comfortable seat is a better fit for purpose, but I can see the benefits of the Pourty and I think it will be invaluable for travelling and taking out and about as it is smaller. It would fit in a suitcase no problem so I imagine it will come with us this summer on vacation.

We keep the BABYBJÖRN Potty in our family room and first thing when Blondie Boy wakes up in the morning we take his nappy off and he sits on the potty. He LOVES to read on the potty. Seriously the kid will read 10 books, 3 times each and because the BABYBJÖRN is "roomy" he doesn't get a sore bum. I haven't asked him if it's comfy, but I assume it is!

Sometimes we get a pee and sometimes we don't. If we do he gets a round of applause and praise and if not, well that's okay. Anytime his nappy comes off to get changed we sit on the potty for a bit to see if anything happens. If he signs "poo" to us we will take off his nappy and put him on the potty but most times he tells us after or during rather than before.

The chair itself is easy to clean as the white "pot" part lifts out and you can pour away whatever is in it. I pour whatever is in it out in to the toilet and then spray it with disinfecting spray and pour that out into the toilet. Then I wash it out again in my utility room sink and it's good to go again. I thought it would be super gross, if I'm honest, but honestly it's not.

We've fallen off the cloth nappy wagon, but we are going to bring them back again for potty training as I've read that they can help with potty training. We recently got some AMAZING Bum Genius 4.0 nappies to try and they are the best cloth nappies I have ever used.

I didn't use to put any stock in brand name cloth nappies, but these are amazing. The Bum Genuis 4.0 is a one-size nappy which means it will fit your baby from newborn to toddler and the sueded inner fabric gently wicks moisture away from your baby's skin.

We fell off the cloth wagon because as Blondie Boy got older he moved about more and we tended to get a lot of leaks or a lot of red marks. The Bum Genius 4.0's super stretchy, gentle leg and back elastic with rolled out casings keeps leaks in and help to keep red marks away. We tried both the snap and Velcro closures and loved both.

I've read that cloth diapered babies potty train younger than those in disposables, but who knows. If you've had experience I'd love to hear your thoughts!

So that's where we are. I'm still not sure what to do if we are out in public and he signs "poo." He's too little to sit on a proper toilet, but I don't want to set him back by not taking him through. What do you do with your little ones in public?

Transatlantic Blonde was provided these products to review but the opinions are all our own.